The reason I went from a twin to the 690 is weight and agility when exploring solo. If you don't expect to be solo trying to navigate occasional rock gardens, mud and sand washes, it's pretty hard to beat the 990.

On the other hand, you really shouldn't try that stuff solo on the twin if you struggle to pick it up by yourself.

Lastly the new larger bore 690R is remarkably fast. It accelerates as hard as my 950 did up to near 100mph. I mean it gets there in a flash. I think my 950 made about 85hp and weighed about 500lbs. The 690 makes 66hp and is 150lbs lighter. Of course the 990 is a more powerful motorcycle than my 950 was.

This is exactly why I'm switching from the SE to the 690. You must have read my mind.